If you’re craving comfort food that brings warmth and a melty cheesy hug to your table, you’re going to absolutely love this Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Each tender slice of potato is lovingly layered with a rich, creamy cheese sauce infused with just the right blend of garlic, nutmeg, and a hint of heat. The bubbling golden top and irresistibly smooth texture make this dish a show-stopper at any family dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites for cozy, crowd-pleasing meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create something spectacular. Each component plays a crucial role: potatoes for substance, butter and flour to build the creamy base, and sharp cheddar for that unforgettable cheesy punch.
- Potatoes (4 cups thinly sliced): Choose medium russet or Idaho potatoes for ideal texture and natural creaminess.
- Unsalted butter (3 Tbsp): Adds richness and helps build the roux for the sauce.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Provides a subtle depth of flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): A gentle warming spice that highlights the creamy sauce without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (3 Tbsp): Essential for thickening the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Creates a luscious, velvety base for the cheese sauce.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors beautifully.
- Ground red pepper (a pinch): Gives a subtle, inviting kick that brightens the dish.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups grated, divided): The star ingredient delivering sharp, gooey richness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish on top.
- Paprika (1/8 tsp, optional): For a touch of color and mild smoky flavor on the final presentation.
How to Make Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by slicing your potatoes thinly—whether you leave the skins on or peel them, it’s all about personal preference and texture. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to get everything ready for baking your creamy masterpiece.
Step 2: Make the Roux with Garlic Butter
In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Immediately add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this little step creates a flavor base that will truly make your sauce sing.
Step 3: Whisk in Flour and Milk
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk diligently until the mixture is smooth and slightly cooked, about one minute. Then, slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until your sauce is creamy and begins to thicken.
Step 4: Season and Add Cheese
Add the salt, a pinch of ground red pepper, and nutmeg to your sauce. Once it comes to a boil and thickens further, reduce the heat and stir in one and a half cups of sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into a luscious, cheesy base. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Lightly spray a two-quart baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour one cup of your cheese sauce on the bottom and spread evenly. Layer half of your sliced potatoes on top, distributing them evenly.
Step 6: Add More Sauce and Repeat
Pour half of the remaining cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it out. Then repeat by layering the rest of the potatoes followed by the remaining cheese sauce, ensuring every slice gets coated in creamy goodness.
Step 7: Top with Cheeses and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover with foil or a lid, bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is beautifully golden and bubbling.
Step 8: Final Touch and Serve
For a pop of color and mild smoky flavor, sprinkle a little paprika across the top once out of the oven. Serve right away to enjoy the creamy, cheesy magic at its best.
How to Serve Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant green touch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy yellow cheese. You can also top with extra paprika or a dash of freshly ground black pepper to boost visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs perfectly with smoky barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, or even a simple green salad for a lighter balance. The rich potatoes can hold their own alongside almost any protein or veggie side.
Creative Ways to Present
To take things up a notch, bake this scalloped potato in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. Or layer the potato slices with additional meats like ham or cooked bacon between for a loaded, decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover scalloped potatoes tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making your leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish before baking by assembling in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping well with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350 degrees F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For quick reheating, microwave in individual servings, stirring midway for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! While russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal for their texture and starch content, Yukon Golds or red potatoes can work nicely too, though they may result in a slightly different creaminess and bite.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Not at all. Leaving the skins on adds color, texture, and nutritional benefits, but peeling gives a smoother, more classic scalloped potato dish. It’s your call based on preference.
Can I substitute the cheese?
You certainly can experiment! While sharp cheddar gives that signature bold flavor, combining it with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella can create delicious variations with different melts and flavors.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The best test is to pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife—it should slide in easily without resistance. If they feel firm, give them a few more minutes in the oven covered to steam through.
Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
To keep it vegan, substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use a thickener like cornstarch, non-dairy milk such as almond or oat, and vegan cheese alternatives. It won’t be traditional but can still be creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth: once you try this Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress both family and friends, it’s a timeless dish that truly feels like a warm hug from the South. Go ahead, make a batch and savor every cheesy, buttery bite!
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Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Easy Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe delivers creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked thinly sliced potatoes layered in a rich cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce. A comforting side dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, about 4 medium-size russet or Idaho potatoes)
Sauce
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic (minced finely or grated)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1–1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 pinch ground red pepper
Cheese & Topping
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated and divided)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/8 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients and Prep: Gather all ingredients, slice the potatoes thinly, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make Roux: Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour and whisk constantly for about one minute to form a smooth paste.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add kosher salt, ground red pepper, and nutmeg. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in one and one-half cups of grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a two-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour one cup of the cheese sauce into the dish and spread evenly across the bottom.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Place half of the sliced potatoes evenly over the sauce layer. Pour half of the remaining cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining potato slices on top, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce, distributing evenly.
- Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Test the potatoes by piercing with a fork; it should slide in easily. If not tender, bake a few minutes longer.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with a small pinch of paprika for color if desired. Serve the scalloped potatoes immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use russet or Idaho potatoes for best texture and flavor.
- Thinly slicing potatoes ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Covering the dish during baking helps the potatoes cook through while keeping moisture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted butter or salted cheeses.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
